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The Barbelles are always on the look-out for a fresh face on the New York summer cocktail scene.

We thought we’d seen it all as far as martini flavors go – tamarind, mango, elderflower, blackcurrant, pear, key lime – but the groovy upstairs lounge at the new west Soho restaurant, Spring Street, threw us for a loop with their cucumber martini.

Made with rare cucumber-infused gin from Scotland, it’s simple, fresh and sneaky – although it’s spring-water clear, the thing kicks like a mule.

While downstairs diners feast on Chef Clement Bruno’s summer truffles brought in fresh from Provence, we like to join the likes of the White Stripes and kick back in the Provencal-style parlor, called UPstairs Spring, with its vintage sofas, antique chandeliers and hand-stenciled erotic murals inspired by risque 16th century drawings.